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Max Verstappen blasts Red Bull’s rash driver swap decision: a rookie’s career at stake

Publisher by Publisher
December 20, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Max Verstappen blasts Red Bull’s rash driver swap decision: a rookie’s career at stake

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 07: Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 07, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202512070372 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen Slams Red Bull’s Rash Driver Swap: ‘Two Races Is Far Too Early!’

In a shocking revelation, Max Verstappen has publicly criticized Red Bull’s controversial decision to execute a driver swap just two races into the 2025 Formula 1 season, raising eyebrows across the motorsport community. The reigning champion’s discontent stems from the abrupt demotion of rookie Liam Lawson, who had been selected to fill the void left by the ousted Sergio Perez, only to be relegated back to the Racing Bulls team after dismal performances in Australia and China.

Verstappen did not hold back, stating unequivocally, “Two races next to one team-mate, I didn’t agree with that at the time. In the end, you ruin someone’s chances with a top team.” His pointed remarks underscore a growing concern about the pressure placed on young drivers in the cutthroat world of Formula 1, particularly within the high-stakes environment of a top team like Red Bull.

The decision to replace Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda, however, backfired spectacularly. Tsunoda’s performance mirrored that of his predecessor, collecting a meager 30 points throughout the season, further fueling the narrative of a ‘curse’ that has long plagued Red Bull’s second driver seat. Verstappen, while clearly disheartened by the situation, emphasized that talent is never the issue among his teammates. Instead, it is the unique driving styles and adaptability of each driver that plays a decisive role in their success.

“They try to use my set-up,” Verstappen explained, highlighting the complexities of team dynamics. “But in the end, every driver has his own driving style. At some point, of course, you grow together, especially in the second half of the season.” He pointed out that differences in car handling preferences, such as the understeer he experiences compared to Tsunoda, contribute to the struggle for newcomers.

Despite the setback, Verstappen commended Lawson for his resilience in the face of adversity. “I think Lawson has recovered well,” he remarked, acknowledging the mental fortitude required to bounce back from such a demoralizing experience so early in a career. “He could also have thought: ‘Never mind, the fun is gone.’”

As the season unfolds, Verstappen’s call for more patience with rookie drivers resonates louder than ever. “In any case, two races is far too early to make a judgment,” he concluded, a sentiment that could very well shape how teams approach driver evaluations in the future.

The stakes in Formula 1 have never been higher, and with Verstappen’s candid critique of Red Bull’s decision-making, the discussion around the treatment of rookie drivers is sure to dominate headlines. Will Red Bull heed Verstappen’s advice, or will they continue down a path fraught with peril for young talent? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the world will be watching closely as the drama unfolds on the racetrack.

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-formula-1-seasonliam-lawson-2max-verstappen-enoracle-red-bull-racingracing-bulls-2yuki-tsunodas
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